Lifestyle
When I was a teenager, I moved in with my grandmother, and let me tell you, her house was a blast from the past. Built in the 1950s, it still had a rotary phone—one she’d been renting from the phone company for decades. There was no dishwasher either, so that became my responsibility. Most notably, the place only had a bathtub—no shower in sight. At first, I wasn’t thrilled about it, but over time, I grew to cherish those peaceful moments spent soaking in the tub. Now, at 38, I find myself showering less often because I’ve become accustomed to the soothing experience of a hot bath. I struggle with anxiety, and when stress hits hard, a hot soak is my remedy of choice. Surprisingly, it turns out that taking a hot bath offers more than just mental relief.
A comprehensive study from Japan highlights the health benefits of immersing oneself in hot water. Published in the May 2020 edition of the journal Heart, the research tracked 30,000 individuals over two decades. Participants were asked how frequently they engaged in hot water bathing, which in Japan includes visits to onsen, or natural hot springs. Respondents indicated their preferred water temperature: lukewarm, warm, or hot. Personally, I enjoy my baths warm, though I must admit I rarely share them with anyone, so I can’t compare temperatures.
An impressive 72% of those surveyed reported bathing nearly every day—a statistic that made me a bit envious. The findings showed that daily bathers had a 28% lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who bathed just a couple of times weekly. Additionally, daily hot baths reduced stroke risk by 26%. If heart issues run in your family, regular soaking might be particularly beneficial.
The science behind these findings is compelling. Shinya Hayasaka, a professor at Tokyo City University, explained in an interview with Deutsche Welle that soaking in hot water helps arteries relax and expand, enhancing circulation. This increased blood flow is vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients to your body’s cells—an estimated 37 trillion of them!—and efficiently removing carbon dioxide and waste. This circulation boost is likely responsible for the refreshing sensation we experience after a soak, as if the day’s fatigue is evaporating in the steam. Honestly, that last line made me want to stop writing and jump into the tub right now.
What about showers? While the study doesn’t specifically discount them, Hayasaka noted that modern lifestyles have led to only 40% of people bathing in a tub daily. He warned that this decline could correlate with a rise in heart attacks and strokes.
However, there’s a caveat. Harvard Health Publishing emphasizes that while hot baths can lower blood pressure, they may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with already low blood pressure. Dr. Adolph Hutter from Harvard Medical School cautioned that older adults with low blood pressure should be careful. If the water is too hot, it might drop your blood pressure too low, leading to dizziness or even fainting—a personal experience I can attest to after a mishap in my grandmother’s tub as a teen, which resulted in a concussion. He suggests a water temperature of 100° to 105° F, and advises entering the tub slowly to allow your body to adjust.
So, if you’re a fan of long, relaxing baths, go ahead and indulge! Use this study as your excuse to enjoy a warm soak in the tub—it’s perfectly justifiable self-care for your heart, with the bonus of improving your mental well-being.
If you’re interested in more on this topic, check out this insightful post on home insemination kit options, or explore fertility resources at Make a Mom and Facts About Fertility.
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In summary, taking a hot bath is not just a luxurious indulgence; it offers significant health benefits, particularly for heart health. Embrace the ritual of soaking in warm water, and let it be a part of your self-care routine.
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